The Syrian Regime's Dubious Activities Revealed

Although the Syrian regime has diligently attempted to prevent media scrutiny of its activities, the truth has ways of leaking out. Zak from Lebanon highlights an article written by the BBC's Paul Wood for The Atlantic. The 4,000-word article details what the regime doesn't want you to know- and then some.

"One man was brought in with a chest injury. 'He would have survived but they [the doctors and nurses] beat him and stabbed him with needles. If my face had shown even a sign that I was upset, I would have been sent to jail.'"

Open Democracy highlights the top Middle Eastern or Arab-based blogs, including constantly featured Albawaba fixture The Arabist.

One anonymous gay blogger from Lebanon is speaking out against homosexual individuals who use their sexuality as a crutch. Indeed, it is difficult for the LGBT community, but it is not the root of all personal problems.

"As extravagant as you can get, you are, first of all, a person, you are a man. As butch as you can get, you are, first of all, a person, you are a woman. The gay doesn't and shouldn't ever come first."

Lebanese-based book review blog The Cube takes a fresh look at revolutionary literary classic George Orwell's 1984. The review highlights key passages and key themes from the iconic text.

"Have you ever imagined a world gone extreme to the extent that you cannot even have a diary? Write your own thoughts? Even have your own thoughts?"